This week in the high-end audio world, several noteworthy new products were announced, especially from long-established Japanese brands. TAD has introduced a new floor-standing speaker model in its Evolution series. Luxman has become a major topic of conversation with the announcement of its flagship SACD/CD player and pure Class-A integrated amplifier to commemorate its 100th anniversary. Soulnote has also evolved its entry-level ‘1 Series’ to version 2. In addition, new products for a wide range of users have been introduced, including a new direct-drive turntable from Technics and wireless headphones from Sennheiser.
1. New Product Releases (Official Announcements)
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TAD-E1AX — TAD (Speaker System)
- Key Specifications: A successor to the TAD-E1TX floor-standing speaker in the Evolution series. The proprietary CST (Coherent Source Transducer) driver has been revamped, and the midrange now features a beryllium diaphragm manufactured using a vapor deposition process. The woofer’s diaphragm material and structure have also been revised for richer, more natural low-frequency reproduction.
- Price: ¥3,000,000 (pair, tax excl., black), ¥3,100,000 (pair, tax excl., glossy white)
- Availability: Sequentially from late December 2025
- Highlights: The long-awaited update to a core model in the Evolution series, which makes the TAD sound more accessible, further pursuing the point-source sound concept with technology cultivated in higher-end models.
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D-100 CENTENNIAL & L-100 CENTENNIAL — Luxman (SACD/CD Player & Integrated Amplifier)
- Key Specifications:
- D-100 CENTENNIAL: A flagship SACD/CD player with a newly developed drive mechanism and digital and analog circuits. A successor to the D-10X.
- L-100 CENTENNIAL: The first pure Class-A integrated amplifier in about nine years. Equipped with the proprietary core circuit ‘LIFES 1.1’.
- Price: D-100: ¥1,650,000 (tax incl.), L-100: ¥858,000 (tax incl.)
- Availability: D-100: November 2025, L-100: September 26, 2025
- Highlights: Models commemorating Luxman’s 100th anniversary. Products that are a new milestone for the brand, combining technology and a passion for music cultivated over many years.
- Key Specifications:
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1 Series Version 2 — Soulnote (Integrated Amplifier, etc.)
- Key Specifications: Four models: integrated amplifier ‘A-1 ver.2’, phono equalizer ‘E-1 ver.2’, D/A converter ‘D-1 ver.2’, and integrated amplifier ‘A-0 ver.2’. The circuits and parts have been revamped, incorporating the philosophy of higher-end models.
- Price: A-1 ver.2: ¥308,000, E-1 ver.2: ¥286,000, D-1 ver.2: ¥385,000, A-0 ver.2: ¥181,500 (all tax incl.)
- Availability: Sequentially from November 2025
- Highlights: Thoroughly embodying Soulnote’s ‘non-NFB’ philosophy, even in an entry-level model. A comprehensive improvement aimed at a more realistic and vibrant sound.
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SL-50C — Technics (Direct-Drive Turntable)
- Key Specifications: Equipped with a coreless direct-drive motor that inherits the brand’s design philosophy. Comes standard with an S-shaped universal tonearm and an Ortofon 2M RED cartridge.
- Price: ¥99,000 (tax incl.)
- Availability: Late October 2025
- Highlights: An entry-level model that allows you to easily enjoy Technics’ high-quality analog playback for under 100,000 yen. A strategic product aimed at cultivating a new fan base for analog, including the younger generation.
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HDB 630 — Sennheiser (Wireless Headphones)
- Key Specifications: Closed-back wireless headphones. Supports high-resolution audio sources, allowing for high-quality music listening on the go.
- Price: TBD
- Availability: TBD
- Highlights: A model introduced by Sennheiser, a long-time leader in the headphone market, that combines functionality and faithful sound quality. Expected to further enhance its presence in the portable audio market.
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Evolution 400 Series — Atoll Electronique (Integrated Amplifier, etc.)
- Key Specifications: A new flagship model line from the French audio brand Atoll. The lineup includes an integrated amplifier, preamplifier, power amplifier, and more.
- Price: TBD
- Availability: TBD
- Highlights: The top-of-the-line series that Atoll, known for its simple, sophisticated design and musical sound, is releasing with confidence.
2. Sources
- Stereo Sound ONLINE: https://online.stereosound.co.jp/_tags/オーディオ
- The Absolute Sound: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/news/
- StereoNET: https://stereonet.com/news